What to Bring

Below are commonly packed items. You are not required to bring everything on this list. Instead, think about your personal needs and preferences. Before packing and purchasing, please be considerate of the size of your and your roommate's shared space. Discuss this list with your roommate(s). Are there items on this list that you can share? Splitting the cost of items and sharing is a great way to save money and space!

The clothing category is particularly important so you're prepared to dress for any occasion. This is not an exhaustive list, but the information and links should give you some ideas. As seasons change, so do the temperatures. You may want to bring all of your clothes or to save on space, only bring clothing relevant to the season and then switch out later - this could potentially save your closet/storage space.

The Office of Housing & Residence Life supports W&L's Climate Action Plan, which includes reducing energy and material waste. Electronics should have automatic shut-offs where applicable and be Energy Star rated when possible. Students are encouraged to minimize single-use items as much as possible and focus instead on items that will be useful throughout the year. For example, don't bring a case of plastic utensils, bring one set of reusable utensils and a sponge!

No matter how carefully you pack, though, move-in can generate a lot of waste. W&L has campus-wide recycling, composting and E-waste collection to reduce how much of this ends up in the landfill. Visit the Sustainability How To webpage to familiarize yourself with proper waste disposal on campus for waste-reduction on move-in day, and every day.

Ask your Resident Advisor (RA) or Community Assistant (CA) for cost, energy, and space-saving tips!

If you are having trouble viewing the list below, access the printable checklist for your next shopping trip!

* = Specific to International Students

Bathroom/Shower
  • Bathrobe
  • Towels
  • Washcloth and/or loofah
  • Shower caddy/basket
  • Shower shoes/slides
  • Shower cap
  • Tissues (Kleenex)
Bedding
  • XL twin sheets (actual mattress dimensions are 39" wide, 80" long, and 6" thick)
  • At least 1 pillow & pillowcases
  • Comforter
  • Quilt
  • Extra blankets/throws
  • Mattress cover
  • Memory or egg crate foam mattress topper
Beauty/Grooming
  • Refillable razors
  • Shaving gel
  • Makeup/makeup remover
  • Body and face moisturizer
  • Face scrub or cleaner
  • Sunscreen
  • Hairbrush
  • Hair spray/gel/mousse
  • Small hair dryer
  • Curling iron/straightener with auto shut-off
  • Beard conditioner/oil
  • Nail clippers
  • Q-tips
  • Handheld mirror
  • Pumice stone
  • Tweezers
  • Chapstick or lip balm
  • Face masks
  • Self-tanner
  • Wax strips
Cleaning Supplies
  • Dish soap
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Windex
  • Multi-purpose cleaner (Lysol or equivalent)
  • Swiffer (wet and dry pads)
  • Broom/dustpan
  • Waste bin (small and 13 gallons)
  • Trash bags (based on the size of your waste bins)
  • Furniture polish
  • Glass cleaner
  • Sponges
  • Washcloths
  • Paper towels
  • Air freshener
Clothing
Bring your favorite styles to express yourself (and don't forget clothes hangers)!

Athletic wear/gym clothes, swimwear

Warmer months (Aug - Oct; April - May): shorts, t-shirts, jeans, light jackets, sweatshirts, rainwear, sneakers, sandals, flip-flops, flats, heels, rain boots

Colder months (Nov - March): jeans, long sleeve shirts, winter coats, jackets, rainwear, beanies, gloves, warm socks, sneakers, rain/snow boots

Shoe organizer/over-door storage

Business casual attire
Business professional attire
Business formal attire
Guide to gender neutral attire

Some events to consider for professional or business formal attire:

  • President's Welcome
  • Orientation events in University Chapel
  • Fall Convocation
  • Fancy Dress
  • Formals/Galas - student organizations host them all throughout the year.
Decorations
  • Windows measure 48" wide and 64" long. Each room has blinds, but feel free to bring a tension rod (no nails or brackets) and curtains (fire-rated curtains are highly recommended).
  • Command strips/hooks
  • Removable adhesive putty
  • Small rugs/area rugs
  • Desk lamps or floor lamps
  • Bean bags
  • Favorite items from home, such as a stuffed toy, pillow, pictures or flag to make you feel more at home
  • Personal photos and frames
  • Posters or other wall art
  • Dry-erase board or calendar
  • Full-length mirror
Electronics
  • *Voltage converter/adapters for the 110 volt plugs
  • Phone charger, HDMI cables, or other chargers
  • Small fan
  • Digital alarm clock
  • Small vacuum or dustbuster
  • Iron with automatic shut off
  • Handheld garment steamer
  • UL-1363 Power strips (NO extension cords)
  • Consider Energy Star-rated products
  • TVs recommended no larger than 43" (varies by personal preference and space)
  • Game consoles
  • LED or rechargeable candles (NO wax candles lit or unlit)
  • See the "Services & Vendors" list for information about micro-fridge
Food/Snacks/Utensils
  • Your favorite foods or snacks from home! Trust us, this can help combat homesickness
  • Grab and go snacks for when you're on the run (breakfast/lunch) Nourish your body and your brain
  • Reusable cups, plates, bowls, utensils
  • Tupperware
  • Ziploc bags
  • Reusable water bottles, coffee mugs
  • Small coffee maker with automatic shutoff
  • Small blender
  • Coffee and/or tea
  • Can opener
Laundry
  • Laundry hamper/tote (easy to carry to and from the laundry room)
  • High-efficiency (HE) laundry detergent only
  • Fabric softener
  • Dryer sheets/reusable dryer balls
  • Wrinkle release spray
  • Lint roller
  • Stain remover
  • Washer-safe mesh bag for securing delicates/undergarments while washing in the machine
Medications & Supplements
  • OTC medications such as Tylenol, cold medicines, allergy medicine, etc
  • Prescription medications
  • Birth control
  • Dietary supplements
  • Vitamins
  • *Detailed and up-to-date medical, dental, and immunization records that reflect recent visits to your local health care professionals for general examinations, blood tests, dental and eye check-ups, x-rays, etc. These will help U.S. doctors provide relevant care
School Supplies
  • Backpack
  • Planner/calendar
  • Laptop (if you need assistance with a laptop please apply by clicking here)
  • Mouse, keyboard
  • Flash drive
  • Pens/pencils
  • Notebooks
  • Books (Shop around! Chegg/Amazon and the University Bookstore are just a few options).
  • Calculator
  • Ruler
  • Tape
  • Check out the W&L Exchange - a free campus resource where community members donate gently used supplies - click here for more details!
Toiletries
  • Toothpaste & toothbrush
  • Mouthwash
  • Dental floss
  • Hand soap/sanitizer
  • Deodorant and antiperspirant
  • Contacts/contact solution
Services & Vendors

The Office of Residence Life receives revenue share from Dormify, Micro-Fridge, and Storage Scholars. Funds are used to offer programming to students as well as for facility improvements.

Miscellaneous
  • Driver's license
  • Passport
  • Other government-issued ID
  • Small toolkit (NO nails or screws)
  • Car registration/proof of insurance
  • Debit/credit cards
  • Health insurance cards
  • Umbrella
  • Flashlight and extra batteries (in case of a power outage)
  • Ear plugs
  • White noise machine
  • Extra toilet paper or wet wipes (do NOT flush wet wipes)
  • Headphones or earphones
  • LED lighting
  • Bike and bike lock
  • Condoms
  • First-aid kit
  • Sewing kit
  • Lockbox or fireproof safe
  • Duffle or weekender bag
  • Board or card games
  • LED light bulbs
  • Bed risers
Gaines & Graham-Lees Estimated Dimensions
  • Room dimensions vary. Please visit our website to see room dimensions by building/floor.
  • Stack dressers are 31" wide, 23.5" deep, and 16" tall. Stacked, they would be roughly 32" tall.
  • Bed frames are 85" long, 38" wide, and 36" tall (overall length including head and footboards).
  • Clearance under the bed can range from 16" (lowest setting) to 32" (highest setting).
  • Desks are 42.5" wide, 26-30" deep. As tall as 52" when factoring in the desk hutch.
  • Windows are roughly 48" wide and 64" tall.
  • Gaines' closet spaces are typically 42-44" wide, 24" deep, and 8' tall. There is no door, just open shelves, and hanging rods. Some students purchase a tension rod/curtain for storage privacy.
  • Graham-Lees' closet space dimensions range from 35-40" wide inside (the closet doorway is about 20" wide), 25-30" deep, and ~90" tall.


Please refrain from bringing the following items as they are prohibited. This is not an exhaustive list, and every student is responsible for reviewing the Housing Agreement and WLU Student Handbook prior to moving in.

While not prohibited, first-years are discouraged from bringing a motor vehicle to campus. Due to numerous construction projects on campus during the upcoming academic year, residence parking will be more limited than usual. Additionally, the FY parking lot is a mile from the residence halls and will be crowded. It's closer and faster to walk into town, and the Maury Express shuttle runs to Wal-Mart and Kroger on weekends. Public Safety also has an on-demand shuttle service every afternoon within the Lexington area. For more information on parking and shuttle services, click here.

Do NOT bring:

  • Alcohol, drugs, or nicotine (including but not limited to vapes, marijuana, nitrous oxide or "whip-its")
  • Wax candles (used or unused) or incense
  • Extension cords and multi-prong adapters
  • Brackets, screws, nails (only putty and command strips are allowed)
  • Cooking appliances such as electric grills, presses, waffle makers etc.
  • Space heaters
  • 3D printers
  • Hot tubs or pools, inflatable or otherwise
  • Fog or bubble machines
  • Portable air conditioners
  • Halogen lamps
  • Firearms, ammunition, or other weapons (including but not limited to stun weapons, BB guns, swords and knives that don't fold or have a blade larger than 3"
  • Fireworks
  • Drones or other unmanned aerial vehicles
  • Flammable liquids such as gasoline, lighter fluid, propane, etc.
  • Motorized boards, electric scooters, hoverboards, skywalkers, etc.
  • Pets, except fish in a 5-gallon tank or smaller. Emotional Assistance/Support Animals must be pre-approved.

If you have questions about recommended items, prohibited items, or University policy, please email housing@wlu.edu.